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Much like Awesomest iPad apps, I thought I'd start a thread for iPad games.

Which are the must-have ones for you?

Rules

  • One app per answer.
  • Use this format for the first and second lines of your answer:
    ## [app name](link to website)
    [App Store](link to appstore) (price in usd)
  • Include a short description.
  • Check for duplicates before adding new answers.

Disclaimer: As with OS X apps and iPhone apps, a well-pruned poll can be useful, even if it isn't the exemplary kind of SE question. (If you don't like this, consider ignoring it rather than trying to get it closed.) The voting system & ability to add and edit answers are all we need to keep this relevant and up-to-date.

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This type of poll question generates heated debate on some sites. I'm actually fine with it here, but the title above really makes it look like what upsets the anti-poll crowd. @cletus, any chance you'd consider, well, anything without the word "awesomest"? – Jaydles♦ Sep 8 '10 at 15:33
@Jaydles: You can blame me; he copied it from my Awesomest iPad apps. I just wanted something less boring and more factual than "must-have apps" or "can't live without apps" (jeez, none of this stuff really is must-have). Note that any poll-haters are yet to be aggravated (assuming you don't count)! :) – Jonik Sep 8 '10 at 17:30
Well, if people insist, I guess we could drop the "joke" and go with "Most awesome" :) – Jonik Sep 8 '10 at 17:33
@Jonik, I'm usually on the other side of this argument, and spent some time on the gaming site debating with others who thought that anything with a hint of subjectivity had to be closed, but I do think these titles set the wrong tone for visitors. I agree that this question is good and useful, but if it were something more like "Highly recommended iPad games," it would be a bit less likely to make a visitor looking for complex tech guidance on a mac feel like he's wandered into myspace. – Jaydles♦ Sep 8 '10 at 19:20
We now have a question on meta to do with these kind of questions: meta.apple.stackexchange.com/questions/90/… – Chealion Sep 8 '10 at 22:41
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closed as not constructive by bmike♦ Nov 15 '12 at 22:35

As it currently stands, this question is not a good fit for our Q&A format. We expect answers to be supported by facts, references, or specific expertise, but this question will likely solicit debate, arguments, polling, or extended discussion. If you feel that this question can be improved and possibly reopened, see the FAQ for guidance.

12 Answers

up vote 5 down vote

Pinball HD

App Store ($0.99, normally $2.99)

Before iPad I knew this as The Deep Pinball for iPhone, but this HD version is a lot cooler!

alt text

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Looks amazing, I bought it. +1 – Graeme Hutchison Dec 12 '11 at 22:38
up vote 5 down vote

World of Goo

enter image description here

Brilliant, funny, stylish mac puzzler that, after playing the iPad port, was obviously totally MEANT to be played on the iPad.

It's also on sale (as of Jan 2011) for $4.99.

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In my opinion, World of Goo is one of the best video games in the last 10 years. – estephan500 Jun 8 '12 at 5:12
up vote 2 down vote

The Secret of Monkey Island

App Store: The Secret of Monkey Island: Special Edition ($2.99)
App Store: Monkey Island 2 Special Edition: LeChuck's Revenge ($2.99)

The classic Monkey Island games from early 1990s are available for iPad. Personally just I bought Monkey Island 2 to continue where I left off 15+ years ago; it seems pretty good.

NB: right now, you can get them for $0.99/€0.79 (holiday discount of 67%).

alt text alt text

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up vote 2 down vote

Machinarium

App Store (£2.99 / $9.99)

This is a puzzle game with fantastic graphics and an amazing sense of adventure. Only compatible with iPad2, well worth the money. You can play the demo for free at the website. It is also available on Windows and OSX, but feels sooo much better on iPad.

WARNING THIS GAME CONTAINS ADDICTIVE CONTENT

enter image description here enter image description here

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up vote 2 down vote

Plants vs. Zombies HD

App Store ($6.99)

There are versions of this game for different platforms, but it truly shines on the iPad.

enter image description here

Check out the trailer.

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up vote 1 down vote

Blue Block

App Store ($3.99)
App Store (free, fewer puzzles and other restrictions)

A very addictive puzzle game which a huge number of 'levels' (over 44,000!) in the full version. The free version - 90 puzzles - has been more than sufficient so far, but I'll definitely be buying the full version.

alt text

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up vote 1 down vote

FlightCtrl HD

App Store ($5)

Land an increasing number of planes on the ground without crashing.

Great fun

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up vote 0 down vote

Gravity HD

App Store (free demo, full version $10 £6)

Free version is great fun. Full version has 100 levels, with a steady increase in difficulty.

(Cheats available)

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up vote 0 down vote

MultiPong

App Store ($3)

This game allows up to 4 people to play simultaneously. It is relatively easy, good for younger kids

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up vote 0 down vote

ByteMiner

App Store Free

Found this game while searching for arcade style shooter games. It doesn't have that many downloads but it still is fun to play. First few levels are easier, but after sometime it's too hard and challenging to play. It got, I think 50 levels. Dunno why it's not a hit. They've got an iPhone version too, in the name of MineByte. The iPhone version runs on iPad too, with that 2X button. Although iPad version has better graphics.

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